Money Smart Week® is a public awareness campaign designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances. This is achieved through the collaboration and coordinated effort of hundreds of organizations across the country including businesses, financial institutions, schools, libraries, not-for-profits, government agencies and the media. These groups come together once a year to stress the importance of financial literacy, inform consumers about where they can get help and provide free educational seminars and activities throughout the week.

On April 25th from 9:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. businesses, schools, and organizations across Washington are encouraged to participate in a Drop, Cover and Hold drill. During an earthquake, the safest action to take is to drop, cover and hold.

Encourage your co-workers, instructor, supervisor, students and family to participate in this drill on April 25th at 9:45 a.m.

Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold  Practice taking cover as if an earthquake were taking place. This will make people aware of the safest places in their immediate environment.

Practice Exiting  Walk through the possible escape routes  Periodically inspect those routes to make certain they are not cluttered or if they could become blocked by falling debris.

Review Earthquake Plans  Check and refresh the supply of emergency food and water in your survival kit.  Check medication and first aid materials for all members of the household.  Replenish expired supplies of food, water, medicine and batteries at least every 6 months.  Review the responsibility of each family member after an earthquake.  Call your family's designated contact person outside the area to remind them of their role.  Review the college's Emergency Action Plan www.ghc.edu/security/index.html Review plans to pick up children and check with schools and daycare centers to ensure the family plan is still appropriate.  Contact Grays Harbor/Pacific County Emergency Management for information on the county's emergency plan.